Most Expensive Places to Live in The US: Whether you’re looking for great year-round weather and picturesque landscapes or are drawn by cosmopolitan living with an array of restaurants, museums, and other cultural attractions, the USA has a place that offers it.
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Enjoying all these offerings comes with a hefty price tag but residents are willing to splurge if it means living in their dream city or town.ga
If you’re one of them or are simply curious to know more about these impressive places, dive into our list of the most expensive places to live in the USA.
List of the most expensive places to live in the US.
Manhattan, New York #1
A place that attracts dreamers who wish to make it big, Manhattan’s cost of living is well over the national average. The median house price here hovers well over two million while the rent is also almost 4x the national average.
Although the median household income is also above what an average American household makes, the housing prices are too steep to be covered up by that.
It’s not just housing but other living costs too that make it one of the most expensive places to live in the USA.
The prices of groceries, transportation, and entertainment options such as watching a movie or attending a yoga class are significantly higher than the national average.
If you wish to enjoy the offerings of this lively city, you’ll have to spend around 137.6% more on the cost of living than the average American.
San Francisco, California #2
San Francisco’s proximity to Silicon Valley opens up a host of job opportunities for its residents.
With its flourishing industries such as tourism, technology, and financial services, the unemployment rate of the city is significantly lower than the national average.
Although the residents have unusually high incomes, they also have skyrocketing living costs.
With the average house price being well over $ 1.28 million and the average monthly rent being around three times the national average, you have to be ready to splurge on housing if you wish to live in the city.
This steep rise in housing is due to less supply as compared to the demand for housing. With the city being by the water, it cannot be built out.
Being home to highly paid tech workers, the city has also seen a growth in living costs, which is around 82.8% more than the national average.
Washington, DC #3
The vibrant capital draws many to utilize the abundance of job opportunities in the government and private sectors.
The housing supply is not at par with the demand due to the continual influx of people.
Since most buildings are restricted to around 11 stories, housing costs have been on the rise with the median house price being approximately $1.2 million and rent being more than double the national average.
The living costs do not have such a stark difference as compared to the national average.
Utilities and miscellaneous goods and services are around 18% pricier and groceries are over 5% the national average.
On the other hand, transportation and healthcare services are cheaper here than in many other cities of the nation. The major reason for the city being expensive comes from housing costs.
Seattle, Washington #4
The Emerald City demands an exorbitant cost of living from its residents. Being a major hub of the technology industry, Seattle is home to MNCs such as Amazon and Microsoft along with many other smaller companies.
This results in an abundance of high-paid jobs in the city, drawing many people to move here.
If you’re one of them, living in Seattle will require spending around 52% more than the national average cost of living.
The median home value stands at $848,100 while rent is double the national average. It’s not only the housing costs that make this vibrant city one of the priciest in the nation.
Healthcare, groceries, transportation, and miscellaneous goods and services are also around 30% to 35% more expensive.
San Diego, California #5
Miles of white sandy beaches, pleasant weather, and a host of outdoor activities make San Diego one of the most sought-after cities to live in the US.
From adventure enthusiasts to nature lovers, and foodies, the city has something for everyone. However, enjoying all these offerings doesn’t come cheap.
Buying a house here would mean spending over $1.04 million, while the average rent is almost double the national average. Couple this with the cost of groceries, healthcare, and utilities being around 10% higher than what the average American pays.
Getting around in the city also adds to the cost burden with transportation costs being almost 28% more expensive than average.
Boston, Massachusetts #6
Home to reputed universities, fascinating historic sites, tech and biotech companies, and excellent hospitals, Boston draws many to put down their roots here.
Buying a house in this thriving city means spending around $937,122 while the average rent is almost $3,831. The city’s housing shortage is driving up these housing costs.
Although the median household income is significantly higher than the national average, a fat pay cheque is needed to take care of the living expenses.
Groceries are around 13% more expensive in the city while healthcare costs 14% more than what the average American pays. The total cost of living comes up to 49.9% above the national average.
Los Angeles, California #7
Incredible year-round weather, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and lively nightlife add to the allure of Los Angeles. Enjoying the glitz and glamor of LA demands a pretty great income to match the expenses.
The city’s notorious traffic makes transportation 26% pricier than the national average. Combine that with groceries, healthcare, utilities, and miscellaneous good and services being around 7% to 15% more than what the average US resident pays.
The fact that median household income isn’t at par with the national average makes it tough to match these costs. Buying a house will cost around $1.1 million which is significantly higher than the national average.
Despite such enormous living costs, the city continues to attract many artists and young professionals to enjoy the place’s vibrant culture.
Honolulu, Hawaii #8
With miles of picturesque coastline, stunning sunsets, and excellent resorts, Honolulu is a coastal paradise. Its lush natural surroundings, laid-back lifestyle, and vibrant culture attract many to settle down here.
However, enjoying these incredible offerings doesn’t come easy on the pocket.
Since most goods in Hawaii arrive by boat or plane, the cost of living is higher than the national average, around 86% more than the US average to be specific.
Groceries are 50% pricier than what an average American pays while utilities stand at 35% higher cost than the national average.
Buying a house in this stunning city would mean spending around $1.6 million while rental options are almost 2x the national average.
Retirees get some respite in the city as it is one of the most-tax friendly cities for the group.
The median household income here is higher than the average but the difference isn’t too much as compared to the costs.
Oakland, California #9
Lush natural surroundings, diverse culture, and a robust job market add to Oakland’s desirability.
Owing to its location in the bay area, the housing supply is not at par with the demand, which leads to higher prices.
The median home value here is $848,600 while the average rent is almost double the national average. Utilities, transportation, and healthcare costs are also a quarter higher than the average.
A trip to the grocery store will cost around 30% more than what the typical American pays.
However, the higher median household income somewhat relieves the cost burden. Couple that with the fact that California is one of the most tax-friendly states in the nation.
Orange County, California #10
Stunning beaches, a vibrant nightlife, excellent resorts, and a laid-back vibe, Orange County has it all. Its allure is so that an entire TV series was made on it. Enjoying its plentiful attractions comes with a price tag to match.
The average home price is at around $1.3 million while rent averages at $3,025 per month. Adding to the cost of living, groceries are 6% higher while healthcare is 2% more expensive than the national average.
However, utilities are around 5% cheaper and the median household income is significantly higher than the national average. Housing is the main factor that drives up the overall living expense in the county.
If any of these cities attract you enough to relocate, use it to fuel your ambition of calling it home one day.
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FAQs:
Q. Where is the most expensive place to live in the US?
Manhattan is the most expensive place to settle down.
Q. What’s the most expensive city to live in in the US?
New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are some of the most expensive cities to live in the US.
Q. What are the 10 most expensive states to live in?
New Hampshire, Connecticut, Vermont, Oregon, Maryland, Alaska, New York, California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts are the 10 most expensive states to live in the US.
Q. What are the 4 most expensive states to live in?
Hawaii, New York, California, and Massachusetts are the four most expensive states to live in.